Combination storm vent awning



June 19, 1956 J- w. BONELLI COMBINATION STORM VENT AWNING Filed Dec. 7, 1954 3 Shasta-5M" 1 Fig. l

45 46 James William Bone/Ii IN V EN TOR.

BY W Attorneys June 19, 1956 J. w. BONELLI COMBINATION STORM VENT AWNING 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 7, 1954 Fig. 3

Fig. 2

James William Bone/l1 INVENTOR.

BY WW FM June 9, 1956 J. w. BONELLI 2,750,638

COMBINATION STORM VENT AWNING Filed Dec. 7, 1954 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

Fig.5 BY gwvmmfl United States Patent C) COMBINATION STORM VENT AWNING James William Bonelli, Lyndhurst, N. J.

Application December 7, 1254, Serial No. 473,597

10 Claims. (Cl. 20-575) This invention comprises novel and useful improvements in a combination storm vent awning and more specifically relates to a rigid, ventilated awning mounted for vertical swinging movement together with means for selectively raising or lowering the awning whereby the same may function as an awning in its raised position and as a storm shutter in its lowered position.

The principal object of this invention is to provide an improved ventilated awning which shall be capable of selective use as a ventilated awning or as a storm shutter for windows and similar openings.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device in accordance with the preceding object together with improved means for selectively raising or lowering the awning between its awning position and its shutter position.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a device in accordance with the foregoing objects wherein the awning shall include a plurality of pivoted louvers for controlling the passage of light through the awning.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an awning as set forth in the foregoing objects wherein the actuating means for raising and lowering the awnings shall be capable of opening the shutters in either the raised or the lowered position of the awning.

These, together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the novel combination storm shutter and ventilated awning forming the subject of this invention, the device being shown in its lowered or storm shutter position;

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 2--2 of Figure l and showing in particular the position of the operating mechanism when the awning is in its closed position and with the louvers also closed;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing the awning elevating mechanism in a slightly diiferent position whereby the louvers will be open while the awning remains in its lowered position;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure l but showing the awning in its raised position, with the louvers thereof closed;

' Figure-5 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 4, the position of the. lift arm as shown in Figure 4 being indicated in dotted lines in Figure 5, while in full lines in Figure 5 is shown the position of the lift arm for opening the louvers of the awning during the raised position of the same;

Figure 6 is a detail view, upon an enlarged scale, of the :cpnnecting linkage between the lifting mechanism of the awning and the louver actuating mechanism, the

ice

same being shown in the position assumed in Figure 2 when the louvers are closed;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing the position assumed by the parts when the louvers are open as in the position of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a perspective detail view of a pivoted or swinging track extension forming a part of the awning elevating and the louver operating mechanism;

Figure 9 is a detail view of a portion of the louver actuating mechanism and of the awning lifting mechanism, the parts being shown in full line in the position assumed when the awning is elevated and the louvers are closed, while in dotted lines is shown the position when the awning is elevated and the louvers are open; and

Figure 10 is a further detail view of a portion of the awning frame, the mounting of the louvers, and the operative engagement of the lift arms of the lift mechanism with the awning frame.

In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 10 designates generally the improved combined storm shutter and ventilated awning forming the subject of this invention, the same being shown as mounted upon a window construction or other suitable opening with which the awning structure is operatively associated. Considering first the construction of the awning, it will be observed that the same includes a frame having a pair of side members 14, which are pivotally connected as by hinges 16 at their upper ends to the window construction in such a manner that the awning may be pivotally swung from a lowered window-closing position shown in Figures 1-3 in which the awning functions as a storm shutter, to a raised position as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in which the device functions as a ventilated awning.

As will be apparent, a plurality of slats or louvers 18 are provided with mounting brackets 20 which may be in the form of angle iron members as shown in Figure 10 and which are pivoted to the frame as by pivots 22. A portion 14' of the frame members 14 is longitudinally grooved or cut away to provide a recess 24 and the mounting brackets 20 carry pins 26 movable in this recess and which pins are connected by a connecting bar or link 28 whereby all of the louvers may be moved simultaneously upon longitudinal movement of the link 28. As will be apparent from a comparison of Figures 2, 3 and 4, 5, longitudinal movement of the link 26 will move the louvers between their open and closed position in a manner and by a mechanism to be set forth hereinafter.

Although the lift mechanism of the awning has been shown applied only to one of the side members 14, it will be understood that the mechanism is duplicated, in the interest of ease of operation, upon each of the side members. This lift mechanism includes a lift lever or lift arm 30 provided with an axle or pivot shaft 32 at its lower end which is journaled in a suitable housing 34 which may be conveniently mounted upon the window construction 12. As shown in Figure 4, the axle 32 is provided with a pinion 36 which is engaged by a driving worm 38 mounted upon a shaft 40 which is journaled in the housing 34 and may conveniently extend into the interior of the structure having the window construction 12, being provided with an actuating handle 42 as shown in Figure 2. It will thus be seen that upon manipulation of the handle 42, the lift arm 30 be operated in unison,.it being understood that only one of the arms 30 need have the above described actuating mechanism for the same.

At their outer ends, each of the lift arms 3% is pro vided with .a member which may consist of a laterally projecting roller 46 journaled upon the end of the lift arni, this roller being slidably engaged in a track 48 which extends longitudinally of the frame side members 14. As will be more readily apparent fromEigures 4, '6 and 7, the track 48 preferably consists of a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending rails th and 52 between which the member 46 is slida'bly retained. it will thus be apparent that upon pivotal movement of the lift arm, the awning will be raised or lowered between its raised awning constituting position of Figure 4 and its closed shutter 'forming position of Figure 2. During this movement, the member or roller .46 wil travel between the upper and lower ends of the track 48.

As will .bc nowbest apparcntfrom Figures 2-4, the rail 1 which is more closely adjacent to the louvered portion the awning than is the rail 5% is slightly shorter at its upper end than is the latter. The member 2% is provided with a laterally extending projection 54 in "the form of :1 lug or pin which extends across the end of the rail 52 and into the track '59 in a position to be engaged by the member 46 when the latter is in its uppermost position in the track. Thus, when the awning is raised to the position shown in Figure 4 as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, the member or roller as will lie in the track 43, but will not be engaged with the member 54, which will then rest against the upper end of the rail "2 In this position, the member 534 acts as a stop to limit downward movement oft e louver cont-rolling link 28, whereby gravity or, if desired, a spring means, will be effective to close the iouvers. However, upon aslight further upward tilting movement of the lift arm 39, as shown in full lines in Figure 5, the member 46 of the lift arr; ill the projection =54 and move the link 28 a s glit further upward distance, thereby pivoting the louvers to theiropen position, as shown in Figure 5.

Referring now-more-particularly to Figures 2-4, 6 and '7, it: will be seen thatthe track 4% has-a swingingeatension 56 at its lower end. This extension consists of a plate-like me; .ber having the extension with exten sion track rails 6i 62, these parts forming continuations ofthe members 43, 5t) and 52, respectively, when the track extension is in alignment with the track as shown in Fir uc 6. The extension includes a platelike portion-6e l wing an aperture 66 constituting a pivot whereby the extension is mounted upon the rail 14 for moveincnt iuto and later-allyout of alignment with the track iii, as will be by a comparison of Figures 6 and 7. The portionlfi i :is further provided with an aperture ss which is adapted to receive a pivot pin :79 by means of which =21 connecting rod .72 is pivoted at one on to the swinging track extension andpivoted, at "M, its other end to the louver operating link 23. it .will now-be apparent that when the track extension is in 21: nmentwith the-track, the connecting linkage betwecnthecxtension and the link 28 will cause .the latter to move downwardly into the louver closing position, this be the position normally assumed by the parts under the inllueneeof gravityor by a spring means, if desired, when the awning is in an inclined ordcpending position. Howeve when the track extension is swung laterally outof alignment with the track, as shown in Figure 7, the connecting rod 72 will move upwardly and thus actuate the link 28 to effect an opening movement of the louvers as will be seen by comparing "Figures 2 and 3.

It should .now be recognized that the dimensions of the track and of the lift arm are such that when the awning is in its loweredposition, as shown-in Figures 2 and 3, with themember 46 of the lift arms disposed at the lower portions of the tracks, and in the track extensions 54, the pressureof 'the 'lift arm member 46 under the influence of the actuating means, when directed towards the left of Figure 2, will bias or urge the track extension into alignment with the track and will lock the awning in its window-closing or shuttered position. Tris position is shown in Figure 2.

However, upon a slight reverse actuation of the lift arm 3i) slightly towards the right, the initial portion of this movement will swing the track extension towards the right, as shown in Figures '3 and 7, thereby through the connecting linkage actuating the louvers into their open position. Further movement of the lift arm towards the right will. ofcourse begin the lifting or raising movement of the awning and as the member 46 moves into the main portion of the track 4%, the lifting thrust of the same will be-directed IlO'Illfi track rails 52 and released from the extension rail 62. Accordingly, as the awning li-ts, gravity will again close the louvers and cause swingiru; novemcnt of the track extension back into alignment with the main track portion. When the full upward .or opening movement of the awning has been completed, as shown in Figure 4, the louvcrs will still he closed. However, a slight further movement, as from the dotted line position of Figure 5 to the full line-position therein, will again open the louvers as set forth 'hereinbefore.

From the foregoing, -it-will be seen that there has been provided an awning construction'whereby actuating mechanism is provided or raising and lowering the awning from an awning position to astorrn shutter position; and that the same actuating mechanism may be further manipulated to open the louvers at either the awning positionorthe shutter position.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and-equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

-What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A combined storm shutter and ventilated awning comprising a frame having louvers pivoted thereon, m for mounting said frame upon a window opening for'vertical swinging movement be ween .a lowered storm shutter position and rai ed awning position, a lift :arm adapted .for vertical swinging movement-at one end and at itsother endoperatively connected .to the frame for eliecting vertical swinging movement :of the latter, operating means for said lift arm, actuating means opera tively connected to said louvers and said lift arm for effecting opening movementof said jlouvers uponrpredetermined movement ot said lit'tarm.

2. The combination of claim ;.l wherein said frame includes a track, said lift arm having a member movable in said track whereby vertical swinging of said lift arm imparts vertical swinging to said frame.

3. The combination of claim 1 whereinsaid frame .includes a track, said ,lift 'arrn having ;a.me1nber movable in said track .whereby vertical swinging of said lift arm imparts vertical swinging to said frame, .[Sflld actuating means-including a track extensionmounted forswinging movement laterallyof said track, connecting means uoperatively associated with said extension and said louvers whereby upon swinging movement of said lever, said member when in said extension will efiect:swinging:rnovement of the latter and opening of said louvers.

.4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said frame includes a track, said lift arm having a member movable in said track whereby vertical swinging of said lift arm imparts vertical swinging to said frame, said actuating meansincludi-ng 'a link connecting said louvers f0rsimultaneous pivoting movement, a projection on said lin'lepositioned for engagement and actuation by said member when the frame -is raised by the lift .:arm :for opening said louvers.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said frame includes a track, said lift arm having a member movable in said track whereby vertical swinging of said lift arm imparts vertical swinging to said frame, said actuating means including a link connecting said louvers for simul taneous pivoting movement, a projection on said link positioned for engagement and actuation by said member when the frame is raised by the lift arm for opening said louvers, said track having a portion engageable by said link projection for limiting closing movement of said louvers.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said frame includes a track, said lift arm having a member movable in said track whereby vertical swinging of said lift arm imparts vertical swinging to said frame, said actuating means including a track extension mounted for swinging movement laterally of said track, connecting means operatively associated with said extension and said louvers whereby upon swinging movement of said lever, said member when in said extension will effect swinging movement of the latter and opening of said louvers, said actuating means including a link connecting said louvers for simultaneous pivoting movement, a projection on said link positioned for engagement and actuation by said member when the frame is raised by the lift arm for opening said louvers.

7. A combined storm shutter and ventilated awning comprising a frame having louvers pivoted thereon, means for mounting said frame upon a window opening for vertical swinging movement between a lowered, storm shutter position and a raised owning position, a lift arm adapted for vertical swinging movement at one end and at its other end operatively connected to the frame for effecting vertical swinging movement of the latter, operating means for said lift arm, said frame having a pair of rails constituting a track, said lever having a member slidably received in said track, a track extension hinged to the lower end of said track for lateral swinging movement in relation thereto, said member being engageable in said extension when the lift arm, frame and track are in their lowered position, a linkage connecting said track extension to said louvers whereby upon swinging movement of said extension by said member when said frame is lowered said louvers will be opened.

8. A combined storm shutter and ventilated awning comprising a frame having a louvers pivoted thereon, means for mounting said frame upon a window opening for vertical swinging movement between a lowered, storm shutter position and a raised awning position, a lift arm adapted for vertical swinging movement at one end and at its other end operatively connected to the frame for effecting vertical swinging movement of the latter, operating means for said lift arm, said frame having a pair of rails constituting a track, said lever having a member slidably received in said track, a connecting means engaging said louvers for simultaneous swinging thereof, a projection on said connecting means engageable by said member when the latter is in position for lifting said frame for opening said louvers.

9. A combined storm shutter and ventilated awning comprising a frame having louvers pivoted thereon, means for mounting said frame upon a window opening for vertical swinging movement between a lowered, storm shutter position and a raised awning position, a lift arm adapted for vertical swinging movement at one end and at its other end operatively connected to the frame for effecting vertical swinging movement of the latter, operating means for said lift arm, said frame having a pair of rails constituting a track, said lever having a member slidably received in said track, a connecting means engaging said louvers for simultaneous swinging thereof, a projection on said connecting means engageable by said member when the latter is in position for lifting said frame for opening said louvers, one of said rails being cut away and constituting a stop for said projection.

10. A combined storm shutter and ventilated awning comprising a frame having louvers pivoted thereon, means for mounting said frame upon a window opening for vertical swinging movement between a lowered, storm shutter position and a raised awning position, a lift arm adapted for vertical swinging movement at one end and at its other end operatively connected to the frame for effecting vertical swinging movement of the latter, operating means for said lift arm, said frame having a pair of rails constituting a track, said lever having a member slidably received in said track, a track extension hinged to the lower end of said track for lateral swing ing movement in relation thereto, said member being engageable in said extension when the lift arm, frame and track are in their lowered position, a linkage connecting said track extension to said louvers whereby upon swinging movement of said extension by said member when said frame is lowered said louvers will be opened, said linkage comprising a link connected to said louvers for simultaneous actuation thereof, a connecting rod pivoted to said extension and to said link. 

